Great Expectations follows the life of an orphan named Pip, who lives with his sister and her husband. Pip seeks to better his station by gaining an education and making connections with the wealthy, particularly Miss Havisham and her adopted daughter, Estella. After receiving a mysterious inheritance, he becomes a gentleman in London, learns the truth about his benefactor, and matures through various trials and relationships.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is lauded for its rich character development and vivid depiction of Victorian society. Critics praise its intricate plot and profound themes of social class and personal redemption. However, some find the pacing slow and the prose occasionally dense. Overall, it's considered a classic with enduring literary value.

Readers who enjoy Great Expectations by Charles Dickens typically appreciate intricate character development, themes of personal growth, and social critique. Fans of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, which also explore complex characters and societal issues, would likely enjoy this novel.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Mysterious / Nostalgic

Charles Dickens

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

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Overview

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Great Expectations Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Great Expectations Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-14

Great Expectations Chapters 7-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-19

Great Expectations Chapters 15-19 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 20-26

Great Expectations Chapters 20-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-33

Great Expectations Chapters 27-33 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 34-40

Great Expectations Chapters 34-40 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 41-48

Great Expectations Chapters 41-48 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 49-56

Great Expectations Chapters 49-56 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 57-59

Great Expectations Chapters 57-59 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Great Expectations Character Analysis

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Themes

Great Expectations Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Great Expectations Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Great Expectations Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Great Expectations Essay Topics

Great Expectations

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